Figs. 328 and 329.--Broad leaf-shaped iron sword, similar to Figs. 326
and 327, Plate XLII. The handle enclosed in a large ring of metal, 8
inches by 5-1/2 inches interior measurement, twisted in two places.
It has probably had a grip of wood, which has disappeared. The blade,
which is only ·06 inch in thickness, is ornamented with a pattern of
perforated holes. The use of this instrument is unknown; it may have
been an execution sword, but, if so, the ring-guard appears superfluous.
Fig. 330.--Iron staff, similar to the bronze one, Figs. 354 and
355, Plate XLV. In the cluster at the top is the figure of a bird
surmounting an animal, probably a chameleon, similar to the one
half-way down the stem, and surrounded by a cluster of various
implements and weapons, points upwards, amongst which may be
distinguished a fork with diamond-shaped heads, a curved bill-hook, a
chisel, a spud and a reaping-hook. Below this are two clusters each of
six hanging bells; two sinuous snakes, heads upwards, are crawling up
the stem.
Figs. 331 and 332.--Carved wooden board, 10-1/2 feet in length and 1
foot 11 inches broad; from a house in Benin city. It is ornamented
with five panels in relief. Each panel has a circle with radiating
lines, bounded by lines of guilloche pattern. The several panels are
separated by broad bands of interlaced strap-work, deeply carved. The
interlaced strap-work varies in design, some being simply plaited,
and in others it is further complicated with twists and returns. Some
have two interlaced bands, others four. The carving is irregular and
traced by the eye without measure or T-square. Long sinuous snakes with
heads are represented in the smaller lines dividing the panels and give
the effect of a meander. The whole of the carving has originally been
covered with thin plates of brass or bronze beaten on, traces of which
are seen here and there fastened on with oblong rivets of metal.
Figs. 333 to 335.--Round execution block and stand of wood, elaborately
carved with figures of men and animals. On the top is a pointed spike
of wood, 5 inches in height, on which the head of the victim appears
to have rested, and below this on the surface at the top of the block
are two receptacles for the thumbs of the victim, in the form of
coiled mud-fish. The ornamentation on the top consists of squares and
triangles filled with parallel straight lines alternating in direction,
and edged with a circle of broken guilloche pattern. On the sides are
three human figures, two of which are holding hands upwards, weapons
and shields, and one a curved sword of European form, point downwards.
Between these figures are two boxes or stools; there are also two human
hands and other objects on the other side. The bottom of the block is
surrounded by a broad guilloche pattern of four or five strands. The
stand on which the block stands is of semicircular form. The top is
ornamented with two animals, resembling crocodiles, conforming to the
outline of the curve, and other animals and objects. On the front of
this stand is a row of objects, consisting, in the centre, of a human
figure holding something on the abdomen, human hands, animals' heads,
and other objects. A very similar execution block, but without stand,
is shown in Figs. 258 to 260, Plate XXXIV. The barbarous carving and
ornamentation of such gruesome objects is quite characteristic of Benin
art.